Hitting the Bullseye
The Industry at a Glance
- Home to the Duck Hunting Capital of the World: Stuttgart, Arkansas
- 3rd in economic output per capita in the arms and ammunition industry (Source: National Shooting Sports Foundation)
- 3rd Most Gun-Friendly State (Source: Ammo.com)
- 3rd Largest Exporter of Firearms and Ammunitions in the U.S. (Source: Global Trade Atlas, 2023)
- 8 pro-gun bills passed into law during the 2023 legislative session
- $2.3B in economic output
INFRASTRUCTURE
- Three U.S. interstates connecting east and west coasts, and the Canada and Mexico borders
- 16,418 miles of state and U.S. Highways – 12th largest system in the U.S.
- Eight intermodal freight facilities with four riverports
- 2,542 miles of Class 1 rail systems
- #3 in the nation with 1,000 miles of inland, navigable waterways
- Approximately 100 public airports including Clinton National, Northwest Arkansas National, and close proximity to Memphis International and the Fed-Ex hub
Well-trained workforce
- 7th highest percentage of manufacturing employment (Source: Business Facilities)
- 1.36M skilled and trained workforce
- 12% of Arkansas’ workforce is employed in manufacturing
- 8,400+ people employed in the arms and ammunitions industry.
Business Climate in Arkansas
- #3 Least Expensive State for Starting a Small Business (Source: SimplifyLLC)
- #2 on the Cost of Living Index (Source: C2ER)
- 7th highest percentage of manufacturing employment (Source: Business Facilities)
EDUCATION
- 50 colleges, universities & 2-year colleges throughout Arkansas
- 2,100+ engineering degrees awarded each year
- 150k+ students enrolled at an Arkansas institution of higher learning
- Black River Technical College is 1 of only 11 accredited gunsmithing programs in the US – and the only institution connected to a law enforcement training academy.
- Ozarka College's Precision Machining program prepares students for a career in manufacturing, providing them with skills in manual machining and operation of CNC mills and lathes.
Firearms & Ammunition Industry
Executive Overview
Arkansas is Primed for Success
Home to the duck hunting capital of the world and the 3rd most gun-friendly state, Arkansas is the natural choice for firearms and ammunition companies to find success.
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Executives Highlight State’s Advantages in “Why Arkansas?” Video
December 10, 2020Our new “Why Arkansas?” video showcases executives from Stephens, Dillard’s, and Walmart discussing the many ways operating in Arkansas is good for business. From global giants to homegrown startups, respected brands are finding opportunities in Arkansas.
“What’s in the water in Arkansas that you can have such great companies founded and start there?” said Warren Stephens, President and CEO of Stephens Inc., when asked what executives around the country say about Arkansas. “It’s the people.”
Founded in 1933 and headquartered in Little Rock, Stephens got its start trading Arkansas Highway bonds. Stephens is a testament to the business environment in Arkansas, as the company has become one of the largest privately-owned investment banks in the country.
Stephens is not alone in its success. Dillard’s was founded in 1938 by William T. Dillard. Today, the company operates 285 stores in 29 states. As a third-generation retail executive, Annemarie Dillard Jazic appreciates the balance between work and life in Arkansas.
“How incredible it is that a young man from a small town like Mineral Springs, Arkansas, could build a Fortune 500 retailer,” said Jazic, Vice President of Online Experience and Digital Marketing at Dillard’s.
Another of the world’s largest retailers is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. Walmart ranks number one on the Fortune 500 list. As a board member and the grandson of Walmart’s founder, Steuart Walton remains an avid champion for Arkansas industry.
“We have a spirit of collaboration that allows us to move faster, find innovative solutions, and do things a little bit different, and I think a little bit better,” said Walton.
Private and public sectors create innovative partnerships in every corner of the state. Our entrepreneurial ecosystem supports early and late-stage companies looking to expand.
Our robust infrastructure ensures that “Made in Arkansas” goods are transported quickly and efficiently. Arkansas is centrally located with easy access to markets around the world.
Combined with our affordability and fiscal responsibility, Arkansas offers a pro-business regulatory environment that makes it easy for companies to grow. Our constitution mandates a balanced budget, and our streamlined state government acts decisively on corporate interests.
Another perk of doing business in the Natural State is a game-changing quality of life that encourages employees to enjoy all Arkansas has to offer, both personally and professionally.
“We have access to nature that is close in proximity to centers of commerce, and it provides a wonderful experience for the people who choose to call Arkansas home,” said Walton.
In Arkansas, modern progress meets rich history, arts meet innovation, and companies meet communities. Watch the “Why Arkansas?” video below to discover more about what makes Arkansas the ideal place to do business.
At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. Here are some examples of businesses that are thriving!
Arkansas offers a range of competitive incentives for businesses looking to open, expand or relocate.
